Tribe-Owned Course Pays Homage to Culture and Identity, Welcomes Guests to Acclaimed Golf Club
(WORLEY, Idaho) – Circling Raven Golf Club, an amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel and owned-operated by the Coeur d’Alene Indian Tribe, yesterday unveiled four course monuments which pay homage to the tribe, their people, heritage and precious land while simultaneously welcoming guests and introducing them to the property in a way which highlights the sacred roots of the property.
The dedication ceremony took place prior to the Coeur d’Alene’s annual Speelya Tournament – Speelya means Coyote in the CDA language and is a revered animal in tribal legend.
During the ceremony tribal member and Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel Marketing Director Laura Stensgar described the importance of the tribe’s culture and language – two of the monuments highlight the Coeur d’Alenes’ native language via names painstakingly selected for each of the course’s 18 holes – as well as the tribe’s identity.
The monuments are an extension of the tribe’s powerful bond to and reverence for its land. The Coeur d’Alenes felt so strongly that they wanted to create something special in their golf amenity that they dedicated more than 600 acres to Circling Raven, which is nestled 45 minutes east of Spokane on a reservation covering 345,000 acres of mountains, lakes, old-growth forest and farmland.
With the tribe’s goal to build and operate a world class golf club and resort which honors its people by its success, quality and paying homage to the tribe’s heritage and culture, it has steadfastly thrown its support behind Circling Raven.
"These monuments are important because they represent our tribe’s respect for our people, the land and our history," says Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel CEO and tribal member David Lasarte.
"Furthermore, we want our guests to know the special meaning and care we put into the course and nurturing the land."
An example of the meaning and homage paid via the course hole names is demonstrated as follows:
No. 18: Par-4 closing hole which points toward the setting sun – Schitsu’umsh – "The Discovered People"… Now you have discovered us. The Raven will circle you forever, and we welcome you home.
For more information about Circling Raven Golf Club or Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel, call 1-800-523-2464 or visitwww.circlingraven.com .
About Circling Raven Golf Club
Owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and convenient to Spokane (WA) airport, the resort and golf club are nestled on a reservation covering 345,000 acres of mountains, lakes, old-growth forest and farmland. The resort spans the western edge of the northern Rocky Mountains.
Tribal history also tells us that Circling Raven was a spiritually powerful leader, his name coming from his close relationship to the raven, who helped guide him on his journeys, warn him of danger and show him where to find fish and game.
Circling Raven was created amid a unique blend of wetlands, grasslands and woodlands. At 7,189 yards, the par 72 championship layout meanders through 620 acres, only 100 representing cultivated ground. Wildlife is abundant, including elk, deer, moose and an occasional black bear. In fact, the opening was delayed due to damage on two greens by migrating elk.
Golf Course
Yardages: Gold, 7,189; Blue, 6,578; White, 6,108; Red, 5,389; Green, 4,708 Total Acreage: 670 (including practice area, practice green and clubhouse)
Amenities: The clubhouse is 6,500 square feet, including the Twisted Earth Grill and full service bar. Both locker rooms include showers and lockers. The practice facility covers 25 acres; separated into areas for wedges, sand play and all clubs in the bag. The resort adjacent to the course includes 202 hotel rooms, casino, events center, buffet, and restaurant, off track betting and conference/ convention facilities.
L93 Bent Grass Greens
Bluegrass tees, fairways and rough
Golf Carts: Equipped with a Global Positioning System
Contact:
Dan Shepherd, Buffalo Communications, 703-891-3320, dshepherd@billycaspergolf.com
